
Ear plugs are designed to protect the ear canal from noise, water, dust and foreign objects. Nondisposable ear plugs are made for extended use and are easily washable. Disposable ear plugs are intended for limited use and should be thrown away when soiled or ineffective.
Identify ear plug type. Many ear plugs are made from foam that reshapes to the ear canal when inserted. Other materials include silicone putty, soft wax, silicone rubber, and vinyl plastic. For ear plug examples, click on the link in the Resource section below.
Reconsider cleaning foam plugs, as the washing of disposable ear plugs is not recommended. However, it is possible to clean and disinfect foam ear plugs. Fill a container with warm water and a few drops of anti-bacterial soap. Soak the ear plugs for a few minutes. Use the faucet to thoroughly rinse out the soap. Squeeze each plug under the warm water stream until no soap comes out. Place in a paper towel and squeeze out excess water. Let the plugs air dry completely before next use. This cleaning process will change the effectiveness and feel of the plugs.
Use soap and water for silicone rubber and vinyl plastic ear plugs. Soak them in warm, soapy water. Use a soft tooth brush to gently scrub the hard to reach areas. Rinse clean with water. For added disinfecting power, spray the plugs with alcohol. Let them air dry completely before reuse.
Do not disinfect or wash silicone putty and soft wax ear plugs. Maintain cleanliness by washing hands thoroughly before inserting the ear plugs. Make sure your ears are clean and dry before using these moldable ear plugs.
Related Articles

How to Clean an Ear Piercing
What Is Bio-Flex Made of for Piercings?

How to Wash Out an Ear With Warm Water

How to Clean a Philips Norelco Shaver

How to Sterilize Eyeglasses

Taking Care of Gauged Ears

How to Clean Swarovski Jewelry

How to Sterilize Body Jewelry
How to Use the Norelco Jet Clean System
How to Open & Clean a Norelco 1050CC ...

Proper Sanitizing of Electric Razors

How to Clean an Electric Self Shaver

How to Keep Eyeglass Nose Pieces From ...

What Size Gauge Is an Ear Piercing Gun?

How do I Change the Battery in a Wenger ...

How to Remove Loctite From Clothes

How Long After Piercing Can You Wear ...

How to Sterilize Tweezers

How to Remove Foam From Vinyl Window ...

Types of Piercing Needles
References
Writer Bio
Autumn Miller is a native Arizonan. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in humanities and a Juris Doctor degree from Arizona State University. Instead of practicing law, she became a middle school teacher. She is a lifelong writer who currently writes for Demand Studios, Associated Content, Helium and runs her own blog.
Photo Credits
Photo by Autumn Miller